CobbleStore 30-Day Film Camera Mechanical Guarantee

At CobbleStore, we carefully test every camera before it is sold. However, vintage film cameras are mechanical and electronic devices, and even well-tested equipment can occasionally develop issues once it is put into real-world use.

To give our customers confidence when getting into film photography, select cameras purchased in person at CobbleStore include a 30-day mechanical guarantee.

This guarantee is intended to cover unexpected mechanical or functional failure, not general returns, exchanges, or dissatisfaction.


Policy Effective Date

This policy is effective March 7, 2026.

Only cameras purchased on or after this date are eligible for the CobbleStore 30-Day Film Camera Mechanical Guarantee.

Cameras purchased prior to March 7, 2026 are not eligible, even if they would otherwise meet the requirements of this policy.


Cameras Eligible for the Guarantee

This guarantee applies only to select film cameras sold in person at CobbleStore.

Eligible cameras will be clearly indicated either:

• On the price tag in store
• In the product listing description online

Most eligible cameras will be tested 35mm point-and-shoot film cameras typically priced in the $40–$80 range.

Not all cameras qualify for this policy.


Cameras Not Covered

The following items are not eligible for the 30-Day Mechanical Guarantee:

• Cameras marked AS-IS
• Cameras sold untested
• Cameras sold for display or parts
Brand new film cameras (including models such as the Kodak Snapic A1)
• Cameras manufactured in 1989 or earlier
• Cameras purchased online and shipped
Digital cameras
Instant film cameras (such as Polaroid or Instax models)
Consigned cameras

The guarantee applies only to eligible cameras purchased in store.


What the Guarantee Covers

This guarantee covers unexpected mechanical or functional failure that occurs within 30 days of purchase during normal use.

Examples may include:

• Shutter no longer firing
• Film advance motor failing
• Flash no longer working
• Camera no longer powering on
• Meter or internal electronics failing

All cameras are tested prior to sale, but vintage electronics can sometimes fail unexpectedly.


What the Guarantee Does Not Cover

This guarantee does not cover issues caused by:

• User error
• Improper film loading
• Incorrect camera settings
• Dead or drained batteries
• Lab processing errors
• Film choice or film storage issues
• Cosmetic wear
• Normal aging of vintage equipment
• Damage caused by dropping the camera
• Water exposure or misuse

Image quality, exposure, and color may vary depending on film stock, lab processing, lighting conditions, and scanning. These factors are not considered camera defects.


Film Requirement

Because film cameras must be used with film to fully evaluate their operation, at least one roll of film must be run through the camera before a claim can be made under this policy.

This allows the camera to be tested under real shooting conditions.

If a claim involves issues such as light leaks, shutter problems, or frame spacing, CobbleStore may request developed negatives or scans to help diagnose the issue.


If You Experience an Issue

If your camera stops working within 30 days of purchase:

  1. Contact CobbleStore first so we can help troubleshoot the issue. Many common issues can be resolved quickly.

  2. If the issue cannot be resolved, bring the camera back to the store in person for inspection.

The camera must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date.


Condition Requirements

To qualify for this guarantee, the camera must be returned:

• In the same condition it was sold
• With no signs of impact damage, water damage, or misuse
• With all included accessories and batteries

If the camera shows signs of damage that occurred after purchase, the guarantee will not apply.


Resolution Process

If a camera is determined to have a mechanical issue covered by this policy, CobbleStore will resolve the issue in the following order:

  1. Repair the camera if possible

  2. Exchange the camera for a comparable model

  3. Issue store credit

Refunds to the original payment method are not offered under this policy.


One Claim Per Camera

This guarantee applies once per camera.

If a camera is repaired or replaced, the original guarantee does not reset or extend.


Why We Offer This Guarantee

Film photography is an incredibly rewarding creative process, but vintage cameras can sometimes behave unpredictably.

We offer this guarantee to give our customers peace of mind when purchasing and shooting film, especially for those who are new to film photography.

Our goal is simple: to make sure you leave CobbleStore with a camera you’re excited to shoot with.


If you have questions about this policy before purchasing a camera, please ask a staff member in store. We’re always happy to help.